Condemn University of Michigan for Spying on Students

The University of Michigan has been caught spying on its own students—and we must demand accountability now.

Investigations by The Guardian, CBS News, and Common Dreams reveal that the university hired private investigators to infiltrate pro-Palestinian student groups. These agents posed as activists, attended meetings, and secretly recorded conversations. This appalling surveillance campaign violates civil liberties, chills free speech, and betrays the trust students place in their university.

After The Guardian's exposé, the University of Michigan ended its contracts with the private security firms responsible for the spying. But this isn’t enough. Without continued pressure, other universities may follow the same path—and the University of Michigan itself could return to these tactics.

That’s why we’re calling on the American Association of Universities (AAU), which represents top research institutions across the country, to take a stand. When powerful voices speak out, schools listen. A strong statement from the AAU can make clear that surveillance of student activists will not be tolerated anywhere.

Tell the American Association of Universities: Condemn the University of Michigan's use of private security to spy on student activists and call on all member schools to reject political surveillance on campus.

Instead of protecting student rights, the University of Michigan targeted peaceful protesters for speaking out against the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. In some cases, the university went even further: retaliating against staff and contractors for expressing support for Palestinian rights, including firing employees and canceling contracts. According to the Detroit Free Press, lawsuits are already underway.

Universities must be havens for free expression and political thought—not enforcers of government-backed repression. If left unchallenged, this dangerous precedent could spread across campuses, silencing dissent and endangering students everywhere.

Sign the petition and help defend academic freedom before it's too late.